Nigeria Defeats Algeira 1-0 as African Nations Cup Action Begins

Nigeria has opened its 2002 African Nations Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Algeria in a Group-A match in Bamako. Ukraine-based midfielder Julius Aghahowa scored the only goal of the match two minutes before half-time Monday, as Nigeria dominated play for long periods.

Meanwhile in Group-B, the goal drought continued as Ghana and Morocco played to a lackluster 0-0 draw in Segou, Mali. Group favorite South Africa was also held scoreless by Burkina Faso in the opening match Sunday, leaving the four teams with one point each after the first round of play.

South Africa faces four-time champion Ghana on Thursday, while Morocco takes on Burkina Faso on Saturday.